THPRD plans delayed for field for disabled athletes at Somerset West Park (Washington County updates)

View full sizeThe Tualatin Hills Park Foundation wants to construct a field through the Champions Too project specifically for athletes with physical or developmental disabilities.Tualatin Hills Park Foundation

The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District said in August that a master plan for the 6-acre park north of U.S. 26 would be presented to the public by the end of the year. It will probably be early 2013 before public meetings are held, said Bob Wayt, spokesman for the district.

The district authorized a $496,500 contract in October with architecture firm 2.ink Studio to design the park. Once the master plan is finalized, it could be brought to the district for approval in the spring.

Around $1.5 million has been allocated from the district’s 2008 bond measure to pay for the park upgrades, and the Tualatin Hills Park Foundation is expected to raise between $1.7 million and $2.1 million for the project, according to a September staff report. The full cost is estimated around $4.4 million, according to the report.

To cover the difference, the project could be built in phases, or bond money from other areas could be reallocated toward the park, the report said.

Once completed, the park will include a baseball field with dugouts, restrooms bleachers and seating areas that can accommodate people using wheelchairs, walkers and crutches. The site could also include other sports fields.